Deputy High Court Judge S9(4): Support Programme – Updated

In early 2019, the Judicial Appointments Commission expects to be asked to run a selection exercise to attract exceptionally high-quality lawyers to sit in the High Court as Deputy High Court Judges.

As no previous judicial experience will be required, this will provide a route to the High Court for those for whom the more traditional routes may have been a disincentive.

Following training by the Judicial College, those who have been appointed will be expected to sit in the High Court sufficiently to enable them to compete as credible candidates in future salaried High Court judge selection exercises.

Judicial support scheme for under-represented groups

In advance of this exercise, the Judicial Diversity Committee is today launching a support programme for those interested in applying to the Deputy High Court Judge selection exercise. We should like to emphasise this programme is dedicated to those interested in an appointment to the High Court. There are different programmes available to those interested in other courts and tribunals appointments.

The programme is open to exceptional candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for Deputy High Court Judge appointment, details available from the Judicial Appointments Commission.

As this is a diversity initiative, places are being limited to candidates from groups that are not yet fully represented in the High Court, in particular women, BAME candidates, solicitors, legal academics, employed lawyers and those from a less advantaged background. To attract more solicitors and legal academics to the senior judiciary, we are extending the eligibility of this year’s programme to those without litigation experience.

What will the scheme offer?

Work shadowing (Nov 2018-Jan 2019). The opportunity to shadow a High Court judge for up to two days to give candidates an insight into the judge’s work (in and out of court), ask questions about the role and decide whether a High Court appointment is really for them

Workshop: Saturday 24 November. A one-day workshop will offer guidance on how to prepare for the selection exercise. It will also provide tips and advice on presenting evidence against the Judicial Appointments Commission’s qualities and abilities to suit the distinct stages of the selection process.

The programme is intended to help candidates make a stronger application to the Deputy High Court Judge selection exercise; but once they have completed the programme, they will have to compete on merit with the other applicants for the exercise.

How do I apply?

Candidates wishing to apply to join the programme should complete the application form (see link below) which will include a statement of your suitability for the role and how you meet our diversity criteria.

Applications close on 18 October and candidates will be notified within two weeks as to whether or not they have been successful in securing a place on the programme.